The ESPN analyst believes that could have been a football player if he were not successful in tennis. The Spaniard played football as a kid and he is still a passionate FC Real Madrid fan.
I was sitting next to an (NFL) football player at the US Open a couple of years ago, Gilbert told Straits Times. He was watching Rafael Nadal and he said if (Rafa) grew up in the States hed be a superstar in football.
If he wasnt playing tennis, hell, maybe hed be Cristiano Ronaldo. Thats the level of what you see. Hes earned the right to do whatever he wants… whatever he does, hes doing it because its right for him.
On the main things he focuses on as a coach, Gilbert added: First of all I look at technique, is the technique consistent, are there any flaws in it. And now what immediately jumps out more than ever is movement. If you cant move at a high level, you better have the biggest weapons ever.
Look at Djokovic, look at Rafa, look at Murray, look at Fed, all of them in different ways can move incredibly. I dont think that you can be a great player in the mens unless you move incredibly. Nadal met Ronaldo several times for events with Nike.
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